(WSIL) -- Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 370 Friday, repealing the Parental Notification Act.Â
This means that a minor can choose to involve a family member or legal guardian in their decision to have or not have an abortion, but they are not required to by law.Â
“With reproductive rights under attack across the nation, Illinois is once again establishing itself as a leader in ensuring access to healthcare services,â€Â�said Governor JB Pritzker. “This repeal was essential, because it was the most vulnerable pregnant minors who were punished by this law: victims of rape and physical abuse in unsafe homes. I thank Representative Anna Moeller, Senator Elgie Sims and the lawmakers and advocates who have fiercely fought to repeal this law and keep vulnerable young people safe. I’m proud that Illinois continues to be a national leader in protecting reproductive rights.â€�
The Parental Notification Act of 1995 required doctors to notify a pregnant minor’s parent within 48 hours prior to an abortion procedure.
House Bill 370 also creates the Youth Health and Safety Advisory Working Group to identify laws and policies that impact parenting and pregnant youth under the age of 18.Â
Under the purview of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the group will focus on reproductive safety for pregnant and parenting youth as well as preventing human trafficking. The working group will discuss topics around consent to medical care, treatment, pregnancy and post-pregnancy, and healthcare provisions. The Governor will appoint four members with at least two members under the age of 18. The advisory group is required to present a report and any recommendations by July 1, 2023.
Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) said she was saddened and angered by the Governor's decision.Â
"The Governor has chosen to once again attack the rights of parents by signing a bill that essentially tells parents that they do not deserve to know about the healthcare of their children. Repealing this vital law will prevent parents from being able to provide the support these young girls need during the most difficult time in their life.
"The Governor and his allies continuously claim that repealing the Parental Notice of Abortion Act would help protect victims of rape, incest, and domestic abuse, but the reality is the opposite. The PNA has mechanisms built-in that actually help to identify young girls who have been trafficked or abused."
HB 370 is effective January 1, 2024.
“Thank you Governor Pritzker for signing the Youth Health and Safety Act into law,â€Â�said Jennifer Welch, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action. “Together, we’re ensuring that young people can involve whomever they trust in their health care decisions, protecting them from harmful domestic situations and unnecessary judicial interactions. At a time when reproductive rights are hanging by a thread across the country, today’s bill signing means that in Illinois, regardless of age, people now have the full legal autonomy to make reproductive health care decisions that are best for their bodies.â€�
